Sunshine Coast Council today endorsed its submission to the supplementary Environmental Impact Statement for the Landsborough to Nambour rail corridor in an effort to advance planning for the project.

Integrated Transport Portfolio Holder Vivien Griffin said the endorsement means council’s submission on the supplementary EIS, which lists Council’s comments and recommendations on the rail project, can now be sent to the Coordinator General.

"The EIS updates any amendment to the land impacts of the rail corridor realignment allowing council to include the project in the new planning scheme," Cr Griffin said.

"Our submission indicates that the EIS doesn’t clearly acknowledge the significant opportunities that are available to forward plan the precincts around the stations to create vibrant and attractive public spaces.

"The Coordinator General will now assess our submission in his report to the minister and advise on the conditions that should be imposed on the project.

Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said officers will continue to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads for good and speedy outcomes.

She said that the original EIS confirmed that while the corridor will have short term impacts, it will also provide long term benefits for communities along the route.

"We are determined to work with the department and the community to ensure the project provides both benefits and minimal impacts on affected communities," Cr McKay said

"To do this we will be seeking further collaboration with the Department on programming for the staged works, any potential joint studies, early infrastructure works and the impact of any proposed community facility relocations.

"We will be watching to make sure recommendations from the supplementary EIS are included in decision making so everyone has a say in planning for the rail corridor to achieve the best possible outcomes in reasonable timelines – we don’t want this to go on forever."